Communities of Tomorrow Seeking New Project Partners

Now is an excellent time to submit new innovation project funding applications to Communities of Tomorrow.

“While funding is only one part of what we do, it is an important service,” says Communities of Tomorrow President, John Lee. “To date we have provided funding to over 100 project partners to develop their innovative infrastructure concepts.”
                          
The types of projects funded so far are incredibly varied, but they all have one thing in common: they offer a new innovative approach to solving municipal infrastructure challenges.

“Our primary areas of interest are in roads and transportation, water and waste water systems, and soil remediation solutions, because that’s what municipal and provincial governments are most interested in, “ says John Lee. “We want to target research, field-testing, and commercialization plans that answer the needs of those infrastructure buyers.”

In many cases Communities of Tomorrow has provided support to companies with innovations that require further development, whether that means applied scientific research, measurable testing in a real-world environment, or marketing research and capital to bring a product to market.

“We like to invest where we can make an impact to accelerate the development of innovative infrastructure products or services,” says Lee. “Our ultimate goal is to see a project turn into a commercially viable entity.”

Any proponent who has a viable project should first get in contact with Communities of Tomorrow staff.  You will receive advice on the process you should follow, and assistance in completing the application forms.  Once submitted, applications are vetted by an internal review committee, which makes the final recommendation on whether they should be accepted. If a project is funded, the proponent is required to file a detailed report on the outcomes and next steps based on their results.

“It can often be a lengthy process for a proponent to move from concept to commercialization,” says John Lee. “Communities of Tomorrow is here to support the proponent through that process and help them move their ideas forward.”

If you have an innovative infrastructure idea or product that could be developed further with assistance from Communities of Tomorrow, contact us at (306) 522-6699.